Hooked on Books Promotions: Claddagh Author Interview With Susan Harris

Welcome Susan and thank you for taking time out to do our questionnaire.

BOOK QUESTIONS

Tell us your latest news?

I’ve just finished writing book 2 in my Ever Chace Chronicles, Collateral Damage. After edits, I have a short story to work on and will get stuck into writing book 3.

What book are you reading now?

I’m currently reading Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. It’s the first in her spin off series and I’m loving the complex characters.

Your books are so emotional. How long does it take for you to be able to get the characters out of your mind and move on to the next?

I’m not sure the characters ever leave you. Even though Shattered Memories came out a year ago and is a stand-alone, my mind wonders exactly what the characters would be doing now. And, now that I am writing a continuous series, the characters are never far from my mind. I think one of the best things about being an author, is that we will always think fondly of our characters, because they are an extension of ourselves.

Are the names of the characters in your novels important?

Some of them, yes. I like to use real people as inspiration and using their names helps. Some character names have more significance than others, but I’m not telling ya which ones lol

What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?

Remember to have ‘me’ time. Whether its chilling with your friends, or catching up on some of your fave tv shows. And surround yourself with people who will encourage you. There’s no need to have those bitchy people who run you down at every instance.

What is the most demeaning thing said about you as a writer?

I’m not sure I’ve had that yet. I’m still waiting for it though; I know it’s coming! :-D

How do you react to a bad review of one of your books?

I used to get upset about it, but then I realized that what one person hated about the book, another person loved. You can’t please everyone. Any review, good or bad, is welcome.

What was the hardest part of writing your book?

Time! I work 30 hours a week as well as writing, and time management gets very hard sometimes. But some days, you just need to shut everything out, put on your headphones and write.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

When writing Skin and Bones, I decided that I couldn’t write crime off of knowledge learned from watching Criminal Minds. So, I did an online course in Forensic Psychology and have just gotten qualified with a distinction. I believe that if you research enough it shows in your writing.

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Definitely with Shattered Memories. I wrote Shattered Memories after being diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. A lot of the feelings that the main characters live through are my own. The message in telling people that, is so that anyone living as I did, can see that what was intended just to be writing therapy, landed me a publishing contract. One of the worst experiences quickly turned into the best.

Life can change in an instant.

Have you ever read or seen yourself as a character in a book or a movie?

If I was a character it would be the geeky side-kick. All smart sass and sarcasm lol

And probably get myself into so much trouble!

Describe in 5 words, your writing:

Mystery, romance, funny, unexpected, thrilling.

What do you use to write your book?

Word! But I also like to do a lot of plotting and planning on good ole fashion pen and paper.

Do you listen to music while you write or read?

When I write definitely. I spend a lot of time compiling the perfect playlist for each book.

If you could write with any other author(s) who would it be and why?

Richelle Mead. Her Georgina Kincaid books are the type of paranormal romance I aspire to write.

NON- BOOK QUESTIONS

When you were a child what did you want to be when you grew up?

Other than being a writer, I wanted to be an actress. I was fully convinced I would win an Oscar! Closest I got was when I won best Shakespearean Actress at a Shakespeare fest when I was in secondary school.

Did/Do you have a nickname?

Suz, Susikins, Shoes, Harris, Sue. Depends on who the person is!

What are your pet peeves?

Liars, people who bend the corners to mark a book, and people who cover everything in cheese lol Have serious phobia of cheese.

What is your favourite coffee shop drink?

Just a cup of tea. I’m pretty boring!

What's your favourite tv show?

Oh God, that’s a hard one. But if I have to limit them: Supernatural, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, The Originals, All the Chicago’s, Tyrant and Criminal Minds.

What is your favourite kind of cookie?

I don’t like cookie’s! I’m partial to a Rich Tea or a custard cream every now and then.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three things would you have and why?

A good book, Tom Hardy, and an Mp3 player.

The book and music to keep me entertained; Tom Hardy to do the same.

Where would you go if you had a time machine?

Go back and spend time more with my Grandfather and Grandmother.

Or go spend some time with Shakespeare.

Which is your favorite quote?

“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self." Cyril Connolly

I had it tattooed on my arm so that I will always stay true to myself when writing.

If you were an ice cream what flavor would you be?

Vanilla! Lol or maybe a strawberry sundae! Normal, but sweet.

What song best describes you?

The Kill- 30 Seconds to Mars

I spent a lot of my life trying to be someone else for other people. But now, I’m learning how to be myself and care less about others opinions of myself.

This verse sums it all up.

“I tried to be someone else

But nothing seemed to change

I know now, this is who I really am inside.

Finally found myself

Fighting for a chance.

I know now, this is who I really am.”

THIS OR THAT

Pepsi or Coke

(Coke)

Michael Fassbender or Colin Farrell

(Michael Fassbender)

Cows or Sheep

(Sheep)

. Castle or Town house

(Castle)

City or Country

(Country)

Lover or Fighter

( bit if both)

Pop or Rock Music

( Rock)

80’s or 90’s

(80’s)

Singing or dancing

(dancing)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR & LINKS

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Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland.

An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy and Dystopian genre. She writes books for young adults and adults alike.

When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, creepy snow globes, DC shoes, stationary, anything Disney, Marvel movies, psychology and far too many TV shows. If she wasn't a writer, she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.